Collaborative Research: Inside Ancient Animal Embryos and Algae -- Computed Tomographic analysis of Neoproterozoic Multicellular Eukaryotes

RuI：合作研究：古代动物胚胎和藻类-新元古代多细胞真核生物的计算机断层扫描分析摘要James W.HagadornEAR-0230142 ABAR-0230142本项目旨在利用新的显微X射线计算机断层摄影(MicroCT)以及常规扫描电子显微镜和薄层切片技术，研究新元古代陡山沱组磷化动物胚胎和藻类的三维内部结构。分析将集中在15个形态类型的良好约束套件上。这些化石提供了有关早期多细胞生物进化的关键信息，并展示了从地质记录中已知的一些最壮观的细胞水平保存。该项目的目标是描述单个胚胎和藻类内的几何结构、空间关系和细胞数量，并确定可能的亚细胞结构。这些信息将被用来解释亚细胞生物学、细胞几何和细胞分裂拓扑。最终，这些信息对这些陡山坨化石的分类和系统发育解释是重要的，这为了解新元古代多细胞真核生物的多样性提供了一个独特的窗口。在实施该项目期间开发的技术将用于研究其他过矿化和钙质化石。

RUI: Collaborative Research: Inside ancient animal embryos and algae - Computed tomographic analysis of Neoproterozoic multicellular eukaryotesAbstractJames W. HagadornEAR-0230142ABSTRACTThis project is designed to study the three-dimensional internal structure of phosphatized animal embryos and algae in the Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Formation using new microscopic X-radiographic computed tomographic (microCT) as well as conventional SEM and thin section techniques. Analyses will focus on a well-constrained suite of 15 morphotypes. These fossils provide critical information about the evolution of early multicellular organisms, and exhibit some of the most spectacular cellular-level preservation known from the geologic record. The goals of this project are to characterize the geometry, spatial relationships, and number of cells within individual embryos and algae, and to identify possible subcellular structures. This information will be used to interpret the subcellular biology, cell geometry, and cell division topology. Ultimately, such information is important in taxonomic and phylogenetic interpretation of these Doushantuo fossils, which provide a unique window onto the Neoproterozoic diversification of multicellular eukaryotes. Techniques developed during the implementation of this project will be used to examine other permineralized and calcareous fossils.